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13 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California You Can Visit (2025 Guide)

Dog Outdoors Hiking in Woods Mixed Breed Labrador Rescue Puppy on a Sunny Day in the Park

If your dog isn’t a fan of the beach, why not spend time together enjoying some of Southern California’s excellent hiking? Mountains, forests, and deserts can all be found just a short drive from most residential areas in Southern California, sometimes even within city limits! Here are 13 dog-friendly hiking trails in Southern California that you can explore in 2024.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The Top 13 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California

1. Paramount Ranch

️ Address: 2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Open Times: 8 AM–8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No

  • Features several loop trails with minimal elevation gains and lovely views
  • Horseback riders also use the trails
  • Plenty of free parking, bathrooms, and water are available
  • Previously the site of an old West town set used in movie productions
  • A good spot to hike with kids

2. Runyon Canyon Trail

️ Address: 2000 N. Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Open Times: 6 AM– 6:30 PM
Cost: Free (may have to pay for parking)
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated locations

  • One of the most popular trails for dogs
  • Limited street parking is available
  • Off-leash dogs are allowed along part of the trail
  • 7-mile loop trail with limited shade
  • Bring your water

3. Wisdom Tree Trail

️ Address: 3569 Wonderview Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Open Times: 5 AM–10:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A hard, 3.9-mile loop trail located in Griffith Park
  • Street parking only
  • Bring your own water and waste bags
  • The trail can be steep, slippery, and overgrown
  • Amazing views from the top

4. Escondido Falls Trail

️ Address: 27200 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Times: 7 AM–7:30 PM
Cost: $12/day parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • A very popular hiking spot with a seasonal waterfall
  • A shady, moderate 3.7-mile out-and-back trail
  • Watch out for mud and multiple water crossings, especially after rain
  • Bring your own water and waste bags
  • Watch out for bikers and horses along this trail

5. Aliso Summit Trail

️ Address: 29292 Ridgeview Dr., Laguna Nigel, CA 92677
Open Times: 6 AM–9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A 4-mile, moderate, out-and-back trail
  • Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean
  • Street parking only
  • Bring your own water and waste bags
  • Tends to be less crowded early in the morning
  • Some of the other longer and shorter Aliso Trails are NOT dog-friendly

6. Black Star Canyon Falls Trail

️ Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A challenging, 6.7-mile out-and-back trail that gets crowded fast
  • Rock scrambling and climbing are required on the second half of the trail
  • Small dogs may need help on the rocks
  • Protect your pup’s feet with hiking booties
  • Bring water and waste bags

7. Pratt, Foothills, and Fox Canyon Loop Trail

️ Address: Shelf Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
Open Times: 7:30 AM–7 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No



  • A moderate, 3.1-mile loop trail near the vacation destination of Ojai
  • No water or restrooms are available
  • Street parking only
  • Minimal shade—avoid hiking when it’s hot
  • Often has lots of bugs

8. Mission Creek Preserve

️ Address: 60550 Mission Creek Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Wildlife preserve near Palm Springs with 17 miles of trails
  • Beautiful desert landscape
  • Parking, restrooms, water, and picnic areas are available
  • Rattlesnakes, black bears, and mountain lions inhabit the preserve

9. Potato Mountain Wilderness Trail

️ Address: Palmer Evey Motorway and Mt. Baldy Rd., Upland, CA 91786
Open Times: 6 AM to 8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Moderate, 5.2-mile out-and-back trail with beautiful views
  • Limited parking at the trailhead
  • No facilities—bring your water
  • Rocky terrain, but the trail is well-maintained.
  • Pack your used waste bags out—many people don’t

10. Big Horn Mine Trail

️ Address: Big Rock Creek Rd. and Angeles Crest Hwy, Azusa, CA 91702
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Adventure Pass required to park in Angeles National Forest: $5/day or $30/year
Off-Leash: No



  • A moderate, 3.7-mile out-and-back trail in the Angeles National Forest
  • Limited parking is available
  • No water or restrooms
  • Not much shade on the trail
  • The trail is rocky and slippery in places—be careful

11. Sunset Trail

️ Address: Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA 91948
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Adventure Pass required to park in Cleveland National Forest– $5/day or $30/year
Off-Leash: No
  • An 8.0-mile loop hike over relatively easy terrain
  • Multiple options to shorten the hike
  • Bring water and waste bags
  • You’ll share the trail with mountain bikers
  • You’ll travel through meadows, forests, and near a pond

12. Mount Woodson Trail

️ Address: 14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Open Times: $10/day parking on weekends and holidays for non-Poway residents
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A moderate, 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near San Diego
  • Offers beautiful views and the famous Potato Chip rock formation
  • No shade or water and can get very hot
  • Best for more experienced hikers in hot weather
  • Great workout to help you and your dog get in shape for long-distance hikes

13. Volcon Mountain Trail

️ Address: 1107 Farmer Rd., Julian, CA 92036
Open Times: 8 AM–6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A moderate, 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near San Diego
  • Follows an old road near an abandoned mining town
  • Gorgeous views of mountains and the desert
  • Bring your own water
  • Can get windy at the top

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Conclusion

The amenities at these 13 hiking trails in Southern California vary considerably. To be safe, always bring water and waste bags. Keep your dog on a leash except where posted for their own safety and to protect local wildlife. Southern California is home to many predators and snakes who pose a threat to your pup. Stay alert, be prepared, and always pay attention to the weather. These precautions can help you and your dog safely enjoy the beauty of Southern California.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock

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